Trump tariffs impact global trade, sparking backlash

China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) has stated that the tariffs imposed during the Trump administration did not lead to the severe economic downturn ("hard landing") that many had feared for the company. Instead, SMIC appears to have weathered the trade tensions better than expected.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it highlights how some Chinese companies have managed to adapt to U.S. trade restrictions, suggesting that the broader impact of tariffs may not always be as dire as predicted. For those following global tech and trade, it’s a sign of resilience—or perhaps just effective contingency planning—in the face of geopolitical friction.

Japanese stocks surged to a record high after the U.S. announced tariff relief, boosting investor confidence. However, other Asian markets didn’t share the same luck, trending lower amid broader economic uncertainties.

Editor’s Note: While Japan’s market rally is a bright spot thanks to eased trade tensions with the U.S., the mixed performance across Asia highlights lingering concerns—like slowing growth or regional instability—that could ripple through global markets. Investors are watching to see if this split trend continues.

Japan has secured a commitment from the U.S. to correct an oversight that led to Japanese imports being hit with double tariffs. The issue arose when U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum were applied on top of existing duties, unfairly impacting Japanese exporters. The U.S. has now agreed to fix the problem, easing trade tensions between the two allies.

Editor’s Note: This is a win for Japan and a sign of cooperation between the U.S. and one of its key trade partners. The resolution helps avoid further strain on economic relations and could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. For businesses, it means fewer unexpected costs and smoother trade flows.

Indian markets are expected to face losses as concerns over potential tariffs create uncertainty, dampening investor confidence ahead of the trading day.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because tariffs can disrupt trade, impact corporate profits, and shake up stock markets—meaning everyday investors and businesses could feel the pinch. If you're tracking your investments or just curious about the economic mood, this is a heads-up that things might get rocky.

Oil prices are holding steady for now, but they're on track for significant weekly losses due to a mix of factors, including new tariffs and ongoing worries about global supply levels.

Editor’s Note: If you're watching gas prices or investments tied to oil, this matters because tariffs and supply issues could keep prices volatile. That could mean higher costs at the pump or shifts in energy stocks, affecting both consumers and investors.

Asian central banks may finally catch a break as the US dollar shows signs of weakening, easing the pressure on regional currencies that have been under strain due to a strong dollar and new US tariffs.

Editor’s Note: A softer dollar could mean less financial stress for Asian economies, giving their central banks some relief after months of struggling to stabilize local currencies. This shift could help businesses and consumers in the region breathe a little easier.

A Guardian podcast takes listeners inside China's fast-fashion factories in Guangzhou, where workers and businesses are bracing for the impact of potential US tariffs as the deadline for a US-China trade deal approaches. The piece highlights the ongoing tension since the Trump era, including past tariffs as high as 145%, and the fragile partial truce set to expire soon.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it sheds light on the real-world consequences of geopolitical tensions—workers and businesses caught in the crossfire of a US-China trade standoff. If the truce collapses, higher tariffs could disrupt global supply chains, raise consumer prices, and hurt livelihoods in China's manufacturing hubs. It’s a reminder of how trade policies aren’t just abstract numbers—they affect real people.

The stock market had a mixed day on August 7, 2025, with the S&P 500 dipping due to newly implemented tariffs, while the Nasdaq climbed to another record high. Apple's stock stood out with a strong rally, offsetting some of the broader market's losses.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights how global trade policies (like tariffs) can create ripple effects in the markets, with some sectors taking a hit while others—like tech, led by Apple—thrive. For investors, it’s a reminder that even on a down day for some indexes, there can still be bright spots worth watching.

Oil prices are heading for their biggest weekly drop since June due to concerns that new tariffs could weaken global demand. The uncertainty around trade policies is casting a shadow over the market, leading to a sell-off.

Editor’s Note: If you’re watching gas prices or investments tied to oil, this slump could signal broader economic worries. Trade tensions are making markets jittery, and a prolonged downturn might hit everything from energy stocks to consumer costs.

The US has unexpectedly imposed tariffs on imports of one-kilogram gold bars, a move reported by the Financial Times that could disrupt the global bullion market and further strain trade relations with Switzerland, a major gold exporter.

Editor’s Note: This decision could shake up gold markets and add tension to US-Swiss trade relations, potentially driving up costs for buyers and creating uncertainty in an already volatile sector. Gold traders and investors should keep an eye on how this plays out.